After a disappointing spell on loan at AC Milan, Saponara returned to Empoli at the start of 2015 where he has impressed, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists.

A strong, fast and hardworking player, with good technical ability, his style of play has drawn occasional comparisons to his idol Kaka.

With Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky departing Arsenal this summer, boss Arsene Wenger will need to boost his midfield stocks and Italy Under-21 international Saponara certainly fits the bill, while he would also be a cheaper option than Leicester star N’Golo Kante who is also in the Gunners’ radar.